California Firefighters took advantage of a break in strong winds on Wednesday afternoon to get the plane aloft and dump with a fast-moving fire within about half a mile from the breeder of President Ronald Reagan, officials said.
The crew of around 1,500 firefighters have so far managed to steer the fire Alisal away from Reagan Ranch, where the former US leader hosted the likes of Queen Elizabeth and former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, said Andrew Madsen, a spokesman for the National Forest Los Padres, where the fire is centered.
“There are strong winds forecast this evening, and we tried to get as much as we did before,” said Madsen.
The crew also worked to keep the fire from Exxon Mobil facility closed in Las Flores Canyon, he added.
The company did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The fire, which broke out on Monday about 20 miles (32 km) Northwest of Santa Barbara in the corner of a rare population of Southern California, has developed into 13,600 hectares (5,500 hectares) and still only 5% contained, said Madsen.
Strong winds are expected this evening, which is to stop the aircraft flying throw fireproof, Madsen added, although he said the firefighters were hoping to get the blaze 15% to 20% contained in the next few hours before the blast.
Alisal fire quickly grew on Tuesday amid strong winds, shutting down parts of major highways and commuter rail lines.
Governor of California Gavin Newsom said on Wednesday the country has secured federal funds to replace 75% of state and local costs associated with fighting the fire.
California on pace to suffer more acreage burned this year than last, the worst fire season on record when 4.2 million hectares go up in flames – an area the size of Hawaii.